World-class education, high quality of life, and natural beauty. Who wouldn't want to study in Cape Town?
UCT tops the list as South Africa’s best university. Unfortunately, the popularity and acclaim make admission super competitive.
Don’t worry! If you want to study in the Mother City and enjoy all it offers, there are other top-notch options. We’ve looked at everything from rankings to available programs and degree demand. Here are the top colleges and universities around Cape Town (that aren't UCT).
We all love UCT, but here are our top picks for the best universities and colleges in and around Cape Town that can be great alternatives closer to home.
Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
Universiteit Stellenbosch is second after UCT as the best university in Africa. Yes, you’ll be almost an hour away from the CBD, but you won't miss it. You’ll fall in love with the Winelands, vibrant community, and rich heritage all around you.
Stellenbosch University delivers incredible science, engineering, and advanced research programs. Sport is a big part of the university’s culture.
Maties is one of SA’s best rugby teams, with alumni who’ve made it to the Springboks.
Sports and culture embedded in student life
Research leader in environmental and agricultural sciences.
Multilingual classes in Afrikaans, English, and Xhosa.
| Top Programs: |
Agricultural Sciences, Forestry, Arts & Humanities, Engineering |
| How to Apply: |
Check the admission requirements for your program. Applications usually open in April and close by July |
| Tuition Fees: |
From R55,000 per year |
Bellville, Cape Town
UWC is a great fit for students who are passionate about social justice and community. The university was active in the anti-apartheid movement and fighting for equality in SA. But its triumphs go beyond the history books.
Aspiring activists will love UWC’s community-based learning and ongoing fight for gender equality. The school is well-known for its constitutional and human rights law programs.
Active in community and social development.
Green campus initiatives.
Research-focused, community-engaged learning.
Exciting cultural events for students.
| Top Programs: |
Constitutional and Human Rights Law, Health Sciences, Community and Development Studies |
| How to Apply: |
Online applications close around September |
| Tuition Fees: |
From R39,000 per year |
District Six, Cape Town
Ready to jumpstart your career in tech? The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is a smart option. CPUT stands out as the only university of technology in the Western Cape.
The university funds and promotes entrepreneurship and production. It also aims to give students real skills for the job market.
CPUT has strong ties to the engineering, design, and business industry.
Innovation Fund turns student ideas into products.
Robust student support services and mental health resources.
Strong programs for high-demand skills.
Industry partnerships.
| Top programs: |
Health, Electrical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Architecture, Graphic Design |
| How to apply: |
Online and manual applications for graduate programs open in May and close between August and September |
| Tuition Fees: |
Contact the university for details on your specific degree |
TVET colleges provide skills training to help you thrive and fill job market gaps. Here’s a quick overview of the best colleges and TVETs in Cape Town.
De Waterkant, Cape Town
Are you a creative looking to build a portfolio? Inscape specialises in design, creative arts and digital innovation.
The school is one of the top design schools in South Africa with diplomas and graduate programs. Smaller class sizes give students a personalised approach.
Inscape's connections with the design industry will help students build a strong portfolio. A great strategy to land competitive internships.
Observatory, Cape Town
Most high-demand careers in Cape Town are in the business, management and finance fields. For that, we’ve added one of the top business colleges in the Cape, Milpark Education.
Milpark has four schools, namely Business, Professional Accounting, Financial Services, and Commerce. Programs range from undergraduate degrees to MBAs, specialising in business, finance, and accounting. It’s ideal for working students with flexible in-class and online learning options.
Westlake, Cape Town
The best features of TVET colleges are affordability, distance learning, and part-time learning. False Bay has all three. The college is one of SA’s top-performing TVET colleges.
With five campuses, programs focus on practical skills training and employability. Top programs include technical and vocational courses in engineering, IT, hospitality and business.
And, in an unpredictable job market, studying at the False Bay TVET College can help with work placement.
Various campuses in Cape Town
College of Cape Town offers courses ranging from IT to Beauty Therapy. But the Engineering Department is where it shines.
Engineering studies include electrical, building, civil, and mechanical engineering. Plus, students get access to cutting-edge labs and workshops. You’ll leave the school certified and ready to be a pioneer in your field.
Bonus, CCT has eight campuses around Cape Town so you can study closer to affordable student accommodation options.
Also, student support services include career guidance and personal counselling.
Waterkant, Cape Town
Some of the top marketing agencies in SA call Cape Town home. To compete in this industry, you need a marketing qualification built for the future. Enter Vega– a creative institute focusing on branding, communications, and design.
Impressively, Vega also sets up internships and projects with local brands and agencies for students.
Selecting the best university is difficult. Moving there doesn’t have to be.
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